Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention and impulse control which impact on the person’s day-to-day life. There are three types of ADHD, depending on the main difficulties the client is experiencing. These are:

Predominantly inattentive: The client mostly has symptoms of inattention, rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Common symptoms can include: difficulty concentrating, difficulties staying focused, forgetfulness, trouble organising tasks and activities. and the tendency to lose things.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: The client mostly has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, rather than inattention. Common symptoms include: fidgeting and restlessness, difficulties sitting for long periods of time, difficulties engaging in quiet activities, difficulty waiting for a turn, and acting or speaking before thinking things through.

Combined: The client has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

New days will assess for the following: Does the client present with ongoing signs of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity? Do these symptoms significantly and negatively impact on the client’s day-to-day functioning? Were the symptoms present before age 12? Do they occur in different settings (i.e., work, home)?Could another reason better explain the symptoms? Answering these questions involves interviews, taking a detailed history of the client’s development, physical health, and mental health, and careful consideration of other information such as previous records, prior school reports and family accounts.

PRE-APPOINTMENT SESSION

  • Confirmation of your appointment

  • You will receive several online questionnaire links. These must be completed before your appointment.

Child & Adolescent ADHD Assessment

SESSION ONE

  • Developmental and educational history interview (30-45-minutes)

  • Observations of the child/adolescent (30 minutes)

  • Cognitive (IQ) evaluation (60-90 minutes)

  • Online behavioural questionnaire sent to Parent(s)/Care-giver(s) and school teacher (30-45 minutes)

SESSION TWO

  • Diagnostic report

  • Comprehensive feedback session, including; a summary of information collected, diagnostic impression and recommendations (45-60 minutes)

Children

ADHD begins in childhood and around 6-7% of children are diagnosed with this disorder. Whilst symptoms typically improve as children get older, about 65% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to have some symptoms of ADHD into adulthood, with about 15% continuing to meet full criteria for ADHD as adults. Further information can be found by clicking here.

Adult ADHD Assessment

SESSION ONE

  • Developmental and educational history interview (30-45-minutes)

  • Diagnostic clinical interview (60 minutes)

  • Psychological assessment/questionnaires sent via email. These can completed at New Days or at home (60 minutes)

  • Psychometric (IQ) assessment, if required (60-90 minutes)

SESSION TWO

  • Review session one assessment (45 minutes)

  • Clinical interview with a spouse, partner, parent or another family member. Ideally, this is someone who knows the person well and can provide information about the the clients day-to-day functioning (45 minutes). This interview can occur face-to-face or over the phone.

SESSION THREE

  • Diagnostic report

  • Comprehensive feedback session, including; a summary of information collected, diagnostic impression and recommendations (45-60 minutes)

Adults

Adults with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time, are easily distracted, or might act or speak before thinking things through. While we might all have these difficulties from time to time, people with ADHD have significant and ongoing difficulties in these areas, which can affect their broader lives, particularly their study, work, and relationships. Obtaining a formal diagnosis is an important step for many adults in learning more about their neurotype. Further information can be found clicking here.

Adults can complete a ADHD screener assessment (click here)

A Psychologist cannot provide pharmaceutical interventions (stimulant/non-stimulant or any other medication). Pharmaceutical interventions are provided by a Psychiatrist.